Dogs or cats: Use size, lifespan, exercise needs, to choose

Golden retriever and cat. Illustration for dogs or cats post — Dogs or cats? People use size, lifespan, and exercise needs to help decide which pet to adopt.

Dogs or cats? This age-old question about pet preference continues, and current data gives a clear perspective.

The American Pet Products Association 2025 National Pet Owners Survey shows that dogs lead as America’s top pet in terms of households, total animals, and spending. However, cat ownership is also on the rise, with a considerable 23% increase in 2024.

Both pets are gaining popularity.

If you are choosing your first pet or wondering about pet trends in the United States, this summary provides the latest information and statistics.

By the numbers

Pet ownership in America has never been higher:

Currently, 95 million U.S. households have at least one pet, which represents 71.6% of all homes in the country, according to the APPA’s 2026 State of the Industry Report. This is a marked increase from the 56% recorded in 1988, when APPA began collecting this data.

The percentage of U.S. households with dogs grew from 51% to 53% in 2025, meaning about 4 million more homes added a dog in just one year.

Cat ownership is also increasing rapidly: 49 million households now have a cat, compared to 40 million in 2023, a 23% increase.

13 reasons why dogs stand out over cats

Studies show that, globally, dogs outnumber cats. What makes them better than cats?

Dogs are hilarious in many ways. Dogs will make you laugh every day, from the silly things to how they look at you.
Your dog will always be happy to see you. No matter how bad your day is, dogs are always excited to see you and make you feel better.
Dogs are loyal companions. They will never leave your side, no matter what.
Dogs are great protectors. They will bark at strangers and make you feel safe.
Having a dog is good for your health; walking it regularly is excellent exercise.
Dogs teach responsibility. Taking care of a dog is a great way to teach children responsibility.
Dogs provide companionship. If you live alone, a dog can provide much-needed companionship.
Your dog will always be up for a game. Dogs love to play; whether you’re playing fetch, hide and seek, or tug of war, dogs make sure you have fun.
Cats are lazy. They sleep most of the daytime and don’t like to play games.
Cats are independent. They don’t need you as much as dogs and are often aloof.
Felines are picky eaters. They can be picky about their food and may not eat what you give them.
Cats scratch furniture. They love to scratch furniture and often don’t use a scratching post.
Allergies. Some people are allergic to cats, but not dogs.

To put it simply, dogs make better pets than cats. They’re loyal and loving and always ensure you have a good time. So, consider getting a dog if you’re looking for a new pet. Your life will be better for it.

On the other hand, cats are good pets in their way. So, let’s compare cats with dogs.

Cats or dogs? Compare the pets

Bernese Mountain dog snuggles with cat. Dogs or cats? One of the main distinctions between dogs and cats is size. — One of the main distinctions between dogs and cats is size.

Dogs vs. cats: Key differences

Size and space

One of the most noticeable differences between dogs and cats is their physical size, which may affect your choice depending on your living space. Dogs range widely, from Chihuahuas weighing less than 6 pounds to Great Danes that can exceed 150 pounds. This variation affects their needs for space, exercise, and food. Cats, on the other hand, tend to be much more similar in size—usually 8 to 12 pounds—and usually adapt well to apartments and smaller homes.

Lifespan

Dogs generally live for 10 to 13 years, although smaller breeds can reach 15 to 20 years. Cats usually have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and indoor cats often live into their late teens. Both pets require a long-term commitment.

Exercise and activity

Dogs need consistent physical activity, such as daily walks, and more energetic breeds require even more exercise. This routine activity benefits owners as well: people with dogs are more likely to achieve suggested physical activity levels compared to those without pets. In contrast, cats usually keep themselves entertained and do not need scheduled walks.

Cost

Dogs are considerably more expensive to own. A 2025 breakdown of typical annual costs:

The initial year of owning a dog can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $4,000, considering expenses like supplies, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and possible training.

Cats are generally much less expensive to acquire and care for.

Do you know this dog trivia?

Here are some facts you need to learn about dogs:

Dogs have been domesticated for over 15,000 years.
There are over 400 different breeds globally.
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the US is the Labrador Retriever.
The average lifespan of dogs is 12 years, although some breeds can live for 20 years. The tiniest dog breed is the Chihuahua.
Dogs have a sense of smell up to 100,000 times stronger than humans.
Dogs can hear sounds that are too high-pitched for humans to hear.
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed.
Dogs are omnivores and will eat just about anything.
English Mastiffs are the heaviest dog breed.
Dogs have been used in war, police work, search and rescue, hunting, and service animals for people with disabilities.

Ownership by generation

Generation Z is the fastest-growing segment of pet owners and is changing the market.

In 2024, Gen Z represented 20% of all U.S. households with pets, a 43.5% jump from 2023.

Seventy percent of Gen Z pet owners have more than one animal, making them the most likely generation to keep multiple pets.

Millennials still make up the largest group of pet owners, but the number of pet owners from Gen Z and Gen X is increasing most rapidly.

In 2025, Gen X saw a 12% annual increase in pet ownership across various types.

Cats vs. dogs worldwide

While dogs are the clear favorite in the U.S., the global pet landscape remains more complex.

Estimates suggest there are about 600 million cats worldwide, with a similar number of dogs, though exact figures are hard to confirm due to the large number of stray and feral animals.

In global surveys, cats are more popular in countries like Germany, Italy, Russia, Canada, and China, while dogs are preferred in the U.S., U.K., France, Australia, and Brazil.

The pet industry: $158 billion and growing

In 2025, Americans spent $158 billion on their pets, representing a 3.7% increase from 2024.

The APPA expects this number to reach $165 billion in 2026. Spending on pets has risen annually for decades, powered by trends such as treating pets more like family and growing demand for high-quality food, veterinary care, and services.

Projected 2026 breakdown:

Pet food and treats: $69.7 billion
Pet supplies, live animals & OTC medicine: $35.6 billion
Veterinary care and products: $42.4 billion
Other services (grooming, boarding, insurance, training): $14.9 billion

Dogs account for most pet-related spending in the U.S. On average, dog owners spend $1,201 a year per pet, while cat owners spend about $687 annually.

Surprising discoveries about dogs

Siberian Husky snuggles with cat. Dogs or cats? Dogs need daily exercise while cats are content to lounge around the house all day. — Dogs need daily exercise while cats are content to lounge around the house all day.

Did you know that some dogs can detect cancer? Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell. They can sniff out cancer.

Cancer cells release different chemicals than healthy cells, and dogs can see these changes in scent. Dogs have been known to detect cancer in humans and other animals with up to 97% accuracy!

Dogs can also detect COVID-19. In a recent study, dogs could detect COVID-19 with an accuracy of over 80%. The dogs in the study could sniff out the disease before people started showing symptoms.

Dogs can also help you stay fit. A recent study found that people who own dogs are more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise than those who don’t.

Health benefits

Owning a dog can provide more health benefits compared to owning a cat.

Increased physical activity

Dogs are known for their energy levels and need for regular exercise.

This means dog owners are likelier to engage in physical activity such as walking, running, or playing.

Owning a dog can help improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of obesity.

Stress relief

Pets are often called “therapy animals” for their ability to reduce human stress levels.

However, research has shown that interacting with dogs specifically offers greater stress-reducing effects than cats.

This is because petting or cuddling with a dog releases oxytocin (also known as the “love hormone”), which helps decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in our bodies.

Dogs show affection and unconditional love by wagging their tails and licking your hands and face.

Dogs are naturally social creatures and require regular interaction with humans and other dogs.

Dog owners often have a built-in social network through activities such as walks in the park or trips to the dog park, where they can meet other like-minded individuals.

In contrast, cats tend to be more solitary creatures, which may not provide their owners the same level of social connection.

Mental stimulation

Having a pet can provide mental stimulation through activities such as training and playtime.

Dogs thrive on learning new tricks and participating in interactive games, which keep them mentally sharp and stimulate their owners.

This can be especially beneficial for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Allergy prevention

Contrary to popular belief, owning a dog helps prevent allergies in children. Studies have shown that exposure to dogs early in life can decrease the risk of developing allergies and asthma later.

Cats can increase the likelihood of developing an allergy due to their grooming habits and dander.

So: Dogs or cats?

It is clear from the data that dogs are the top pet choice in America, with more households, animals, and spending devoted to them.

However, cat ownership is increasing more quickly at the moment, likely because cats cost less, require less maintenance, and fit well with apartment living and busy lifestyles.

The truth is, the best pet is the one that suits your lifestyle. If you enjoy energetic companionship, are willing to pay higher expenses, and can commit time to daily activities, a dog can offer a strong bond.

If you prefer a quieter, more independent pet that requires less attention but still offers affection, a cat may be a better fit.

Either way, you’re in good company: 95 million American households have already made their pick.

Dogs or cats? Statistics show more homes have dogs as pets

By the numbers

Most popular dog breed: The French Bulldog era

13 reasons why dogs stand out over cats

Cats or dogs? Compare the pets